Services Offered by Termite Inspection Companies
It's important that your termite inspection provider offers services that meet both your short- and long-term requirements. Many companies offer annual assessments paired with preventive treatments for continuous coverage, and this may be a preferable alternative to a single treatment depending on your situation.
Exterior Inspection
As they go through their inspections for termites, inspectors look for visible damage around your home’s exterior. They pay close attention to anything touching the ground, outdoor wood, and damp places where moisture could lure termites, such as the following- Cracks in expansion joints
- Deadwood
- Firewood stacks
- Pooling water around the foundation
- Standing water on the roof
- Wood mulch close to the foundation
- Wooden deck supports
- Wooden fences
Interior Inspection
Pest control specialists typically offer both indoor and outdoor inspections. Inside, they focus on places that are moist or have a lot of wood or cellulose materials, in addition to possible termite entry points. They may inspect the following:- Attics
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Doorframes
- Exposed beams or studs
- Exterior walls
- Hardwood floors
- Under-sink cabinets
- Windowsills
- Wooden furniture
Treatment Recommendations
If an infestation is identified in your house, the pest control provider will suggest a tailored treatment plan to remove the termites. Alternatives to chemicals are available, including heat, physical barriers, and biological control agents such as beneficial nematodes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates chemical termite treatments such as liquid termiticides and baits. Liquid termiticides saturate the soil to form a barrier around your house. Baits use insecticide-laced cellulose to draw in termites. Fumigation is another option, but this requires you to temporarily vacate your home. Fumigation seals off and fills homes with a gas that’s lethal to termites. To handle your current termite issue, the pest professional might propose a multipronged strategy.Future Vulnerabilities
Thorough termite inspections evaluate for termite-friendly areas and evaluate current activity. Inspectors check for wood-to-soil contact, leaks, and other conditions that might draw termites to your home. An inspection may reveal drainage issues or termite entry points that need landscaping changes or structural improvements. Making these changes can help prevent future infestations.Continuous Monitoring
Some termite treatments require regular inspection, reapplication, or replacement to keep working properly. For this reason, many reputable termite inspection businesses offer continuing service agreements that include annual or quarterly inspections. As part of this monitoring, a technician will check for signs of new or increased termite activity. A professional will also swap out baits and reapply liquid termiticides as required. This reduces the risk of extensive damage. These services often come with a warranty.Termite Warranties
Many termite inspection professionals back their services with a reservice warranty. If termites return within a given period of time following the initial service, the reservice warranty covers the cost any follow-up visits or extra work needed to address the termites. Some exterminators offer extra protection with a repair warranty. This includes repairs for any new termite damage following treatment.Factors To Consider When Choosing a Termite Inspector
There are a number of factors that homeowners should consider when selecting a termite inspector.- Cost: Contact at least three companies for quotes. Remember that some may need to inspect your home before providing an estimate.
- Experience: A company's history often reflects its reliability and expertise. Companies with more pest management experience can typically handle termite infestations more effectively.
- Guarantees: Look for inspectors who include warranties or guarantees covering reservice and repair. Ask for these agreements in writing for your records.
- Licensing and insurance: Pesticide applicators in California must hold either a qualified applicator license or certificate from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. You should also always ensure that your provider carries proper insurance. Anyone who uses restricted-use pesticides must be registered as an applicator by the EPA.
- Reputation and reviews: Visit the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, read online reviews, and ask people you trust to understand customer satisfaction with companies you're considering. Strong customer feedback suggests you'll likely be satisfied with the service.